Wednesday, 9 October 2013

The most recent statistics show that in the first few months of new fortnightly bin collections being introduced, the first residents to receive the new service recycled 42% more waste.

The figures are set to be discussed today as the council’s executive board reviews the performance of the first phase of alternate weekly bin collections.

The new bin service was introduced to 56,000 homes on April 29 2013.

An additional 561 tonnes of waste has been recycled in the first twelve weeks of the more frequent green bin collections – significantly more than the weight of a full jumbo jet.

Over the same period, 23% less waste was sent to landfill.

The report to councillors sets out what worked well and based on experience and feedback, what will be improved to ensure recycling increases even further as the service is rolled out to more homes.

Councillors will hear that if the remainder of the bin rollout is as successful as the first phase, the council will be on track to save £2.5 million a year; money that can be spent on providing other vital council services.

It also means that ambitious recycling targets will be met, making Leeds cleaner and greener.

One key to the success of the first phase has been the council’s approach to dealing with rubbish that residents put out in bags with their black bins, known as the ‘no side waste policy’. Councillors are being asked to approve the same approach for future phases.

Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for the environment, said:

“The results from this first phase of the new bin service are really encouraging. I’d like to thank residents and collection crews again for their hard work so far in making such a great start.

“To ensure a smooth transition to the new service for future phases we’ll be re-doing what worked well in phase one and making adjustments based on the lessons we’ve learned.

“We appreciate that this is a massive shift in how we deal with waste, but it’s a necessary one to ensure we can reap the financial and environmental benefits.”

The ‘no side waste policy’ was tested throughout phase one and encourages residents to make the most of their green recycling bin.

The impressive results so far show that residents are managing and sorting their rubbish, and with more frequent green bin collections, people should have plenty of space in their black bin.

A phased approach is taken under the ‘no side waste policy’ to help residents adjust and recycling advisers, another key feature of the scheme, can offer their support if required. Following this initial short period of adjustment, crews will stop collecting bags of rubbish put out with black bins.

Current plans are for residents who are involved in the next phase of the scheme to have information delivered direct to their homes in early November. Recycling advisers will also be available at roadshows and events to offer face-to-face support to residents.

Details of the new service can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/newbinservice or www.facebook.com/leedswastedocs or by following @leedswastedocs on Twitter.

To accommodate the new bin service, people may find that their bin day has to change. Bin collection days can be checked at www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Check-your-bin-day.aspx.

Information on what can be recycled at household waste sorting sites and bring sites can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Recyclingsites.aspx.

Phase two will include all suitable homes in Adel and Wharfedale, Alwoodley, Bramley and Stanningley, Calverley and Farsley, Guiseley and Rawdon, Harewood, Horsforth, Middleton Park, Otley and Yeadon, Pudsey and Wetherby.

In addition, some suitable properties in parts of Armley, Kirkstall and Weetwood wards, along with a very limited number of properties in Farnley and Wortley and Ardsley and Robin Hood wards will be included in the next phase of the new service.

Aiming to encourage residents of all ages to lead an active lifestyle, the centre will also host a range of activities for older people and those with physical or learning disabilities.

The state-of-the-art new facility replaces the Holt Park Leisure Centre on Holt Road, which closed last December after operating for 36 years.

-Reporters and photographers are invited to attend a viewing ahead of the opening to the public. The viewing will take place at the new centre on Holtdale Approach on Thursday, October 10 at 12noon. Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council's executive member for Leisure, will be available for pictures and interviews.

The project to build the new centre has been overseen by Leeds City Council, with funding from the Department of Health through the Private Finance Initiative (PFI. Work has been carried out through the Local Education Partnership alongside their contractor Interserve Project Services Ltd.

“Having watched the building take shape over the past year, it’s so exciting knowing that Holt Park Active will be opening to the public this weekend. I’m sure this fantastic new facility will quickly become a hub for the whole community as well as something that the city can be genuinely proud of.

“The centre is one of the biggest investments in sports and leisure in Leeds for the last 30 years and will help a huge number of people to live healthy, active lifestyles.”

Councillor Adam Ogilvie, Leeds City Council’s executive member for Adult Social Care added:

“This superb wellbeing centre is an asset to Leeds and will be an exciting new place where people can enjoy a whole range of activities.

“The completion of this project is a real milestone and not only shows a strong commitment to our sports and leisure provision but also a huge investment in what we have to offer our older people and those with disabilities and is one of the cornerstones of our plans for the future of adult social care in Leeds.”

The facilities on offer at the centre were developed in consultation local residents and community groups.

The centre will open at 9am on Saturday with the day featuring a host of activities including cycling, kettlebell sessions, Tai-Chi and Pilates as well as a bouncy castle in addition to the usual programme of weekend activities.

The first 100 customers through the doors will be entered into a draw to win a £50 hamper.

The Local Education Partnership works to assist in the delivery of education and leisure projects in Leeds. It is made up of Leeds City Council, the national Building Schools for the Future investment programme and private sector companies Interserve Construction, Barclays Private Equity and Cambridge Education.